⚓ The Silent Service – U.S. Navy Submariners, Strategy & Legacy (1900–Today)

LT Jimmy Carter Observes Submariners in the Main Control Room of Submarine USS K-1 sometime between June and October 1952. Navy Photo VIRIN: 190213-N-ZZ999-626. | GGA Image ID # 234fb929a1. This image is based on a modified version of a U.S. Navy photograph. Attribution Notice.

📘 Introduction

Submariners have long represented the stealthiest and most elite segment of the U.S. Navy’s fighting force. Known collectively as the "Silent Service," these men and women operate beneath the surface of the oceans, executing critical missions ranging from intelligence gathering to nuclear deterrence.

This guide explores the evolution, duties, challenges, and legacy of the U.S. Navy's submarine force, providing an invaluable resource for students, historians, and veterans alike.

🌊 Origins and Evolution of U.S. Submarine Forces

• Early Years (1900–1940): The U.S. Navy’s submarine journey began with the commissioning of the USS Holland (SS-1) in 1900.
• WWII Era: U.S. submarines disrupted Japanese supply lines, accounting for over 55% of Japan’s maritime losses.
• Cold War (1947–1991): Introduction of nuclear-powered subs like USS Nautilus (SSN-571); focus on deterrence with SSBNs.
• Post–9/11: Attack subs (SSNs) support special ops, intelligence, and Tomahawk strikes.

🧠 Training and Selection

• Enlisted Path: Boot camp ➝ BESS (Basic Enlisted Submarine School) ➝ Dolphin Qualification
• Officer Path: Naval Nuclear Power School ➝ Prototype ➝ Submarine Officer Basic Course
• Mental & Physical Demands: Isolation, tight quarters, 18-hour watch rotations, psychological fitness

🚺 Women in the Silent Service

• 2011: First female officers assigned to SSBNs and SSGNs
• 2020s: Integration of enlisted women aboard SSNs
• Today: Dozens of women serve as qualified submariners

🧰 Types of U.S. Navy Submarines

🎖️ Culture, Terminology, and Traditions

• “Earning your Dolphins” – Submarine warfare qualification badge
• “Bubblehead” – Slang for submariner
• “The Boat” – Common nickname for a submarine
• “Run Silent, Run Deep” – Refers to stealth doctrine

⚖️ Command Structure Aboard a Submarine

• Commanding Officer (CO) – Overall authority (typically CDR, O-5)
• Executive Officer (XO) – Second-in-command (LCDR, O-4)
• Chief of the Boat (COB) – Senior enlisted leader (E-9)
• Department Heads – Engineering, navigation, weapons
• Watchstanders – Round-the-clock control room operators

🧩 Modern Submarine Missions

• Surveillance of adversary vessels
• SEAL insertion via dry-deck shelters
• Strategic deterrent patrols (SSBN)
• Cyber warfare and comms tapping
• Undersea infrastructure protection

📚 For Students, Veterans, and Researchers

• Students & Teachers: Explore technology, history, and strategy of submarine warfare
• Veterans & Families: Understand legacy, ranks, and records
• Genealogists & Historians: Decode references in yearbooks, logs, or awards

🔗 Related GG Archives Reference Pages

• 🔗 Officer Ranks & Career Paths
• 🔗 Enlisted Ratings & Duties
• 🔗 Warrant Officers
• 🔗 Navy SEALs
• 🔗 Navy on Film

📚 Suggested Citation

You may cite this page in your research using the following formats:

Chicago (17th edition):
Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives. ⚓ The Silent Service – U.S. Navy Submariners, Strategy & Legacy (1900–Today). Milwaukee, WI: GG Archives, 2000–2025. Accessed [insert date]. https://www.ggarchives.com/Military/NavyArchives/Reference/SubmarineSilentService.html.

APA (7th edition):
Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives. (2000–2025). ⚓ The Silent Service – U.S. Navy Submariners, strategy & legacy (1900–today). GG Archives. Retrieved [Month Day, Year], from https://www.ggarchives.com/Military/NavyArchives/Reference/SubmarineSilentService.html

MLA (9th edition):
Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives. ⚓ The Silent Service – U.S. Navy Submariners, Strategy & Legacy (1900–Today). GG Archives, 2000–2025. Web. Accessed [Day Month Year]. https://www.ggarchives.com/Military/NavyArchives/Reference/SubmarineSilentService.html.